Wellington / Wairarapa

Cycle commuter videos

Check out this series of videos which follows commuters as they cycle around the greater Wellington area. You’ll also find journey planners to help plan your own trip in the region. http://vimeo.com/playingintraffic

Places to cycle

Wellington Waterfront

This flat, family friendly and scenic ride follows the shared path around Wellington waterfront, with a whole range of extra family activities to take in, such as Frank Kitts Park, Te Papa, and Oriental Bay. The waterfront offers a perfect chance to cycle to one of the weekend markets to pick up some local art, crafts and produce.

Gum Loops Track - Wainuiomata

A gentle ride that takes in beautiful regenerating bush with a mix of gum trees; a loop ride will take no more than an hour. There are plenty of picnic spots along the river and a number of signposted swimming holes for a refreshing dip. Access is best from the Wainuiomata Waterworks area off Moores Valley Road.

Pencarrow Coast Road - Eastbourne

Eastbourne | relatively easy | 2-3 hours return (20km return)
Sea birds and plant life thrive on the exposed coastline, while the nationally significant Lakes Kohangapiripiri and Kohangatera are home to a variety of wildlife. Sourced from Greater Wellington Regional Council.

Hutt Valley Trail - Upper and Lower Hutt

Explore the Hutt Valley on a bike courtesy of purpose-built cycle trails that follow both sides of the Hutt River. For a more ambitious ride, follow all the way to the Rimutaka Incline Trail and across to the Wairarapa. Sourced from Greater Wellington Regional Council.

Ara Harakeke Pathway - Porirua

Porirua | Easy | 1 - 8 hours depending on route (8.7 km one way) The shared pathway runs alongside rugged coastal areas, four beaches, a nationally important wetland, a steam train operation and World War Two pillboxes. It passes through three communities: Mana, Plimmerton and Pukerua Bay in the north. It has great places to stop for coffee and refreshments at Mana and Plimmerton. Sourced from Porirua City Council

Rimutaka Incline (Between Upper Hutt & Featherston)

Between Upper Hutt and Featherston | Moderate | 2 - 4 hours (18km one way) | View Rimutaka Incline map (GIF, 30 KB)
Ride through four spooky old train tunnels up to 600m long! If you don’t have a torch, just head slowly towards the speck of light at the end of the tunnels. The ride is not too steep with a few old station shelters to see. When you get to a railway shelter on the edge of some farmland, either go back to the start, or down the gravel road and turn left to finish at Featherston, 9km away.

Makara Peak (Wellington)

Karori, Wellington | Some tracks quite easy, some tricky | 1-3 hours | View Makara Peak map (GIF, 15 KB) From the car park on South Karori Road, the loop up Koru leads to the Skills Area, where you can try jumps and test your skills. From there, take Sally Alley into the forest, and come back to the Skills Area on Magic Carpet before exiting back through Koru. All the tracks in Makara Peak are sign posted at beginning and end so it’s easy to find your way around. Pick up a free map at the car park, or check out www.makarapeak.org